Exclusive: China develops J-15D electronic warfare jet to counter US Navy’s EA-18G Growler.

At the Zhuhai Airshow 2024, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) presented its new J-15D electronic warfare (EW) fighter jet, marking the aircraft’s first public appearance. Developed by Shenyang, the J-15D is part of the PLAN’s efforts to expand its carrier-based electronic warfare capabilities, joining the recently introduced J-15T multirole fighter in the fleet. According to the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the J-15D is designed for electronic warfare operations, in a role similar to the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler, which specializes in standoff, escort, and self-protection jamming.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Images from the Zhuhai airshow show the J-15D equipped with two underwing EW pods and two additional pods on ventral hardpoints, potentially allowing for high-, mid-, and low-band jamming. (Picture source: Weibo/Feng Jian)

Images from the airshow show the J-15D equipped with two underwing EW pods and two additional pods on ventral hardpoints, potentially allowing for high-, mid-, and low-band jamming. These systems appear distinct from those on the Chinese Air Force's J-16D EW aircraft. The J-15D also features wingtip tactical jamming receiver pods, which are not found on the J-16D. In training exercises on November 9, 2024, in Zhuhai, the J-15D participated in formation flights with the J-15T and performed maneuvers with the Z-20J shipborne helicopter and the Z-8C transport helicopter, including reverse area landings and buddy refueling operations. The airshow also featured PLAN Marine Corps members and the first group of female carrier-borne pilots.

Analysts have noted the J-15D's role within the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN)'s carrier air wing as a specialized twin-seat aircraft designed for electronic jamming and disruption. Based on the J-15S twin-seat model, the J-15D has been modified for EW missions, with the removal of the OLS-27 infrared search and tracking device, the 30mm cannon, and the pitot tube from the nose, and the replacement of the radar with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The J-15D first flew in April 2021, and its public debut suggests potential operational deployment.

The J-15D’s gray naval paint scheme implies limited initial deliveries for trial use, with reports indicating some units may have been delivered to the PLAN as early as 2019. Observers suggest that the J-15D might be integrated into carrier-based squadrons similar to the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler squadrons, dedicated to electronic warfare support roles for combat aircraft groups. A mainland military blogger noted that the J-15D’s advanced systems will require specialized training and logistics support beyond that needed for other aircraft. The U.S. Navy’s experience with the EA-18G, initially envisioned for both combat and EW roles but later restricted to EW, underscores the specialized nature of such platforms.

As part of a new generation of carrier aircraft aligned with China’s CATOBAR (catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery) Fujian aircraft carrier, which is currently in sea trials, the J-15D could serve as a platform for further advancements in PLAN carrier aviation. It shares design lineage with the J-15A model currently deployed on China’s Liaoning and Shandong carriers, derived from the Soviet/Russian Su-33. The J-15D is expected to operate alongside the J-15T fighter in theater-wide operations, with unconfirmed reports suggesting it may be capable of carrying anti-radiation missiles for enemy air defense suppression.

The introduction of the J-15D, along with the J-15T, represents a significant expansion of China’s carrier air wing. Future developments are expected to include carrier-based versions of the J-35 and KJ-600 airborne early warning aircraft, both of which are in development and testing. Integrating these new platforms aligns with PLAN’s efforts to modernize its naval aviation force, enhancing China’s ability to perform complex operations and strategic power projection with its next-generation CATOBAR-capable carriers.

China also operates several other EW aircraft, including the J-16D, an EW variant of the J-16 multirole fighter equipped with jamming and electronic countermeasure systems, which has participated in training alongside the J-20 stealth fighter. The Y-9LG, derived from the Y-9 transport aircraft, serves as a long-range EW platform and was recently showcased in joint military exercises with Thailand, emphasizing its roles in electronic intelligence and jamming.